Meet WIFVC Principal Strategic Advisor, Tarryn Chapman

What drew you to the family violence sector, and where has your career taken you?

As a younger person I became aware of the prevalence and far-reaching negative impacts of family violence through activism of women in the sector, and I was inspired to train as a social worker to become useful to their cause. I started my career in the sector in case management supporting victim-survivors and have worked in cross sector projects supporting the reforms of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, as a MARAM trainer, and workforce development in Regional Integration Committee before this opportunity to work as one of the Principal Strategic Advisors.

What do you enjoy about your role?

The opportunities to collaborate with intelligent and creative problem-solvers to address the system barriers, advocacy projects, and building connections are favourite parts of this work for me. 

What sustains you in your practice in the family violence sector?

Experiencing the little wins that contribute to bigger cultural shifts, the opportunity to work in a meaningful sector, and the solidarity with colleagues all sustain me in holding on to hope in this work.